can't 'leaf' it alone!

the joy on these faces just about sums up what a pleasure it is to work hard together to accomplish a goal.....particularly with these precious ones!

life is 'grand'

 

So after getting the much-anticipated call from Brian that it was 'time'
to come to Tahlequah to care for Blake while he and Lara went to the
hospital to welcome baby brother, Luke, we set the alarm for 'early o'clock' (as if leaving on
an exciting 'road trip') and turned onto Briar Lane just after 7 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7.
Blake's initial suspicion, after waving 'good-bye' as Dad and Mom left, dissipated once we gave him the bouncy ball that lights up and flashes.  With advances in technology being what they are, the phrase "greatest thing since...." will soon precede "bouncy ball that lights up and flashes" rather than "sliced bread".

We also took with us the tiny foot-propelled trike that we keep here for the 'littles'.  Recently,
when Cora was here, she asked where 'her' trike was and we told her it was in the car so that we'd have it when we went to Tahlequah for Blake to play with while Luke was being born.  She smiled and said, "I share."  Nearly melted us, that girl!  So after the cloudy day warmed a bit, we let Blake explore the neighborhood.  That boy got up a 'head 'o steam' in the straightaways, for sure.

Later we played in the backyard for awhile till even he acknowledged that it was
getting too cool.  Daddy's shoes were handy and he stepped into them with ease and assurance.  Kind of a wonderful metaphor about leaning into and following his amazing
daddy as he grows into boyhood and manhood.  Will have to think on that, though, for the words and detail to come......heart's too full of emotion now.....just watching him move with such ease in those big shoes let us know this was a comfortable, safe place in which to move and breathe.

Brian kept us posted with frequent texts as their progress in labor at Tahlequah City Hospital moved along. (Looks like I got this smart phone and text plan in the nick of time, huh?)  The final text of the evening was from Lara, though, and it read, "9:47!", and sweet Luke Baine Searcy had arrived.

Happy (and exhausted) Mommy, Luke, and Daddy!
#fullofgratitude

The next morning started out pretty cool, so after breakfast and before a brisk walk in the neighborhood, Blake and Pop had some good discussions about the 'Planet Earth' segment they were enjoying together.
 

Just before lunch time, while Joy (Blake's sweet while-mommy-and-daddy-are-at-work caregiver) looked after him, we were able to go to the hospital to meet and hold precious Luke and see his daddy and mommy.  No words.



During that day, along with block building, ball bouncing, trike riding, eating, reading, and his exploring the contents of various cupboards and drawers, there was plenty of time for drawing lessons and fort building!

Tuesday morning was full of excitement all around, knowing that Daddy, Mommy and Luke
were coming home.  We still started out plenty lazy, though, enjoying the 'bedhead' Blake was sporting (which was the creative result of Pop's playfulness with his post-bath coiffure that night before), breakfast on the couch, another long stroller-walk through the neighborhood (so spoiled by their neighborhood with sidewalks!) and welcoming his big-helperness with some loads of laundry before lunch!



He was captivated, throughout our time there with what seems to be a favorite show: Super Why.  (We still find ourselves humming its theme song:))  And he took great joy, it seemed, in giving Pop (another 'techy') a tour on his Tabby (tablet).

Blake, little buddy, we thoroughly enjoyed our time with you and oh, do you have an adventure ahead of you.  Being a big brother is an important responsibility and soon, before you know it, little bro, Luke, will be stepping into YOUR shoes, watching and emulating everything you do.  And you can say to him, just like's been said to you, "C'mon, buddy, Daddy knows the way home."